|
|
I had travelled up to Wolverhampton from Ramsgate in Kent, the previous day, and having successfully found the Quaker Meeting Hall and become acquainted with a few fellow members that evening, some of whom were councillors, the morning of the 26th began at 9am with coffee and casual conversations between members and guests alike, all anxious to get proceedings under way. Unlike the conferences of the other major parties, there weren’t hundreds of people there. Nonetheless, quite a respectable number were in attendance, and the presentation given by the party’s leadership gave considerable encouragement to everyone present, not least the new members, like me, and guests who wanted the opportunity to contribute significantly to the Assembly discussions. That’s right! Assembly gave everyone the chance to talk on every issue(motion) that had been put forward, indicating immediately what Democracy is all about, i.e. ‘Letting the people have a say on everything’. Through the day, a variety of different subjects were proposed and opposed, including Europe, Electoral Reform, BBC, Pensions and Transport, with members adding their viewpoint to the discussions and casting their votes on the issues, making the entire Assembly experience a richly colourful and intriguing one. A wholesome lunch was made available half way through the event, and inspiration from one member to another, continued at various intervals throughout the day. Generally, it was so great meeting so many like minded people at one time, and by the end of the event at 6pm, I left feeling that I had achieved something really positive from it all. I had made my own contribution to the Assembly on the ‘Europe’ motion, and received real applause for this, making me feel that I was very important to this party. Yes! The Liberal Party is not only a Democratic party, but a truly ‘inclusive’ one, as well. I would recommend it to everyone with an interest in progressive politics. I feel that our party is what our country needs now. by Andrew Thomson |
My first time at a Liberal Party Assembly was on Saturday 26th September 2009, and what an interesting event it certainly promised to be!